Sri Lanka is still facing challenges regarding the brain drain, similar to the South Pacific Small Island Nations, said Deputy Managing Director, CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd, Thulci Aluwihare at the Commonwealth Business Forum 2024, at the Apia, roundtable event titled ‘Skills Migration, Regional Collaboration.’
“To promote skills’ migration, human mobility and the diffusion of knowledge, Small Island Developing States must become essential players in the global value chain, while implementing immigration reform that attracts regional talent and expertise,” he said.
Aluwihare highlighted Sri Lanka’s ambitious initiative to reverse the brain drain and enhance human mobility through progressive regulatory framework of the Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone (CPCSEZ).
He outlined the CPCSEZ’s benefits, including earnings in foreign currency, 0% personal income tax, preferential employment visas up to five years without restrictions on employed expatriates.
Aluwihare participated in the Roundtable event titled, ‘Building Resilient Infrastructure,’ where he accentuated the integral role that public-private partnerships (PPP) could play in bridging the critical financing gap pertaining to building resilient infrastructure.
These engagements were followed by Port City Colombo’s representation at the Sustainable Markets Initiative with King Charles III, which brought together business dignitaries and elected Heads of State from across the Commonwealth.
The event showcased how the private sector has been collaborating with Governments and multilateral organisations in support of global climate, biodiversity and sustainable development.
As a strategic partner of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), Port City Colombo engaged in insightful discussions focused on promoting sustainable growth with high-level global business leaders and Heads of Government at the Commonwealth Business Forum, which was held alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024 in Samoa.
It was held under the theme, ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth’. The event focused on key themes including access to finance, advancing tech and innovation, reducing barriers to trade, transforming the workforce through skills development, and promoting sustainability and resilience, particularly for the Commonwealth’s Small Island Developing States.
With upcoming developments such as Colombo International Financial Centre (CIFC), the luxury yacht marina retail and lifestyle offerings projected to break ground, the PCC aims to emulate the successful economic models of Dubai or Singapore, while reinforcing the broader commitment to sustainability and livability.
